CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - Animal rights protestors in wetsuits designed to look like orcas held a 'die-in' Monday at SeaWorld's Aquatica San Diego water park in Chula Vista.
The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals staged the protest, which happened while families were visiting the park.
"Thirty-nine orcas have dropped dead on SeaWorld's watch, and not one of them died from old age," said PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "This summer, PETA is calling on everyone to stay away from SeaWorld until the company agrees to retire the surviving orcas to sea sanctuaries."
SeaWorld said Chula Vista Police removed the ten protestors and arrested five of them.
"The truth is that our animals, including our orcas, live happy and healthy lives, and thrive in our care," SeaWorld said in a statement. "According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, SeaWorld is 'meeting or exceeding the highest standard of animal care and welfare of any zoological organization in the world."
